9 Tourists Killed After Van Plunges Into Gorge in Tamil Nadu’s Valparai Hills

Tragic Accident in Valparai Hills

In a devastating road accident, nine tourists lost their lives after a van plunged into a deep gorge in the Valparai hills of Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district on Friday.

The victims were travelling from Malappuram when the accident occurred on the Valparai–Pollachi hill road.

Vehicle Lost Control at Hairpin Bend

According to officials, the van carrying 13 people lost control while descending the ghat road and crashed into a barrier at the 13th hairpin bend before rolling into a gorge.

Visuals from the site showed the vehicle completely mangled due to the impact.

Casualties and Injuries

Police confirmed that eight people died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries at a hospital.

• Total deaths: 9
• Injured: 4 (including the driver, critical)

Most of the deceased are believed to be part of a tourist group, including school teachers.

Rescue Operations Underway

Rescue teams comprising police and fire services rushed to the spot and carried out operations to retrieve bodies and shift the injured to the Pollachi Government Hospital.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.

PM Modi Expresses Grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.

“I am deeply saddened by the accident in Coimbatore. My condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.